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Detective Josie Quinn #22
Husband Missing: A completely unputdownable and heart-pounding mystery and suspense thriller
Fear prickles her skin. “Noah?” Photos and trinkets from their simple but perfect life together litter the carpet. The coffee table is cracked, blood along its edges. She should be taking in details, but her heart is racing too fast. A strangled cry works its way from Josie’s chest. Where is her husband?
Detective Josie Quinn’s world shatters when she returns home to find her house ransacked, and her husband, Noah, missing. When she kissed him goodbye hours earlier, called to the discovery of a woman’s body at a protest, they were putting the finishing touches to a nursery for their first adopted child. But now the house is empty, Noah’s bloodied handprints trailing the walls.
Every fiber of Josie’s being screams to investigate. But her team warn her to keep her distance as they follow a connection to a recent robbery in Denton. But Josie can’t quiet the voice telling her the handprints Noah left are leading her somewhere, and the trail ends at an upturned box of her long-dead abusive mother’s faded photos, jewelry, a lock of hair, and a few old newspaper clippings.
Beside herself with worry for Noah, and unexpectedly confronted by the trauma of her past, Josie throws herself into work. The woman’s body found during a demonstration outside a children’s hospital belongs to Gina Phelan, daughter of the powerful and influential Phelan family. Trawling the CCTV is a welcome distraction, but everything changes the moment fingerprints from the knife that wounded Gina match to prints found in Josie’s own home.
Her head spinning as the two cases collide, Josie’s only option is to delve into the life of the monster who terrorized her as a child. The key to everything is hidden in the box of her mother’s mementoes. But is Josie strong enough and fast enough to find it in time? And at what devastating cost to those she loves most?
Detective Josie Quinn’s world shatters when she returns home to find her house ransacked, and her husband, Noah, missing. When she kissed him goodbye hours earlier, called to the discovery of a woman’s body at a protest, they were putting the finishing touches to a nursery for their first adopted child. But now the house is empty, Noah’s bloodied handprints trailing the walls.
Every fiber of Josie’s being screams to investigate. But her team warn her to keep her distance as they follow a connection to a recent robbery in Denton. But Josie can’t quiet the voice telling her the handprints Noah left are leading her somewhere, and the trail ends at an upturned box of her long-dead abusive mother’s faded photos, jewelry, a lock of hair, and a few old newspaper clippings.
Beside herself with worry for Noah, and unexpectedly confronted by the trauma of her past, Josie throws herself into work. The woman’s body found during a demonstration outside a children’s hospital belongs to Gina Phelan, daughter of the powerful and influential Phelan family. Trawling the CCTV is a welcome distraction, but everything changes the moment fingerprints from the knife that wounded Gina match to prints found in Josie’s own home.
Her head spinning as the two cases collide, Josie’s only option is to delve into the life of the monster who terrorized her as a child. The key to everything is hidden in the box of her mother’s mementoes. But is Josie strong enough and fast enough to find it in time? And at what devastating cost to those she loves most?
418 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2025
2012 people are currently reading
1903 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Regan
35 books3,777 followersLisa Regan is the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Detective Josie Quinn series as well as several other crime fiction titles. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Master of Education Degree from Bloomsburg University. She is a member of Sisters In Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Crime Writers’ Association, and International Thriller Writers. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, daughter and Boston Terrier named Mr. Phillip.
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February 19, 2025
A Coven’s Devotion: Lisa Regan’s Spellbinding Series
For those of you who’ve roamed this site for ages, you already know—the Witches Words group (formerly The Traveling Sisters) has been singing Lisa Regan’s praises for years. Every installment in her Josie Quinn series leaves us murmuring, “This one’s the best yet.” And now, in book 22, that spell is cast once again.
A High Priestess of Crime Fiction
Lisa Regan is our high priestess of page-turning magic—weaving heart-pounding crime, family bonding, and the electrifying dynamics between friends and co-workers. What truly enchants me is the bond between her characters; it’s the very lifeblood of this series. And Josie? She remains my forever favorite, wielding heart and wit in equal measures.
Noah is Missing
Noah has vanished into the ether, and eerie links to Josie’s shadowed past begin to surface. I was clicking pages well into the witching hour, my heart racing as if the air around me pulsed with some potent,otherworldly force.
Twists, Turns, and a Storm of Torment
When Josie uncovers a connection between Noah’s disappearance and her old tormentor, Lila, the suspense crackles like lightning. Lila’s tortured past is revealed, each sinister revelation tightening the book’s grip until escape is impossible.
A Cliffhanger That Leaves Us Bewitched
Regan’s endings can sometimes feel long-winded, with just one more twist before the final page. But here? She tightens the spell. The book closes on a cliffhanger that lands like a thunderclap—sharp, shocking, and leaving us breathlessly desperate for the next installment. And thank the stars she writes so fast, for our coven’s insatiable thirst for more!
Forever Spellbound by Josie’s Journey
Witches Words buddy read coven of Josie-loving witches, Debra, Carolyn, and DeAnn.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
For those of you who’ve roamed this site for ages, you already know—the Witches Words group (formerly The Traveling Sisters) has been singing Lisa Regan’s praises for years. Every installment in her Josie Quinn series leaves us murmuring, “This one’s the best yet.” And now, in book 22, that spell is cast once again.
A High Priestess of Crime Fiction
Lisa Regan is our high priestess of page-turning magic—weaving heart-pounding crime, family bonding, and the electrifying dynamics between friends and co-workers. What truly enchants me is the bond between her characters; it’s the very lifeblood of this series. And Josie? She remains my forever favorite, wielding heart and wit in equal measures.
Noah is Missing
Noah has vanished into the ether, and eerie links to Josie’s shadowed past begin to surface. I was clicking pages well into the witching hour, my heart racing as if the air around me pulsed with some potent,otherworldly force.
Twists, Turns, and a Storm of Torment
When Josie uncovers a connection between Noah’s disappearance and her old tormentor, Lila, the suspense crackles like lightning. Lila’s tortured past is revealed, each sinister revelation tightening the book’s grip until escape is impossible.
A Cliffhanger That Leaves Us Bewitched
Regan’s endings can sometimes feel long-winded, with just one more twist before the final page. But here? She tightens the spell. The book closes on a cliffhanger that lands like a thunderclap—sharp, shocking, and leaving us breathlessly desperate for the next installment. And thank the stars she writes so fast, for our coven’s insatiable thirst for more!
Forever Spellbound by Josie’s Journey
Witches Words buddy read coven of Josie-loving witches, Debra, Carolyn, and DeAnn.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
March 12, 2025
Detective Josie Quinn was called to a murder at a building site while she and husband Noah were painting the baby's room in preparation for their adoption. When she arrived home hours later, Noah was gone and the place was ransacked. Plus there was blood everywhere. Josie's life shattered. What would she do if Noah was no longer alive? She wouldn't let her thoughts go there. Taken off the case she was at earlier, plus Noah's abduction, but with Trinity, her twin sister, by her side, the two women worked hard on any side leads; all she could remember about her abusive mother as she could see things were linked. But would any of it matter if Noah was dead?
Husband Missing is #22 in the Detective Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan and it was outstanding! A phenomenal read, Husband Missing didn't let up from start to finish! The pressure everyone was under, especially Josie, was incredible. I'm absolutely loving this series, and hope it doesn't finish any time soon! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
Husband Missing is #22 in the Detective Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan and it was outstanding! A phenomenal read, Husband Missing didn't let up from start to finish! The pressure everyone was under, especially Josie, was incredible. I'm absolutely loving this series, and hope it doesn't finish any time soon! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
April 4, 2025
This was edge of your seat suspense and also just terror for Josie. I don't think we'd recover from another loss. it never ceases to amaze me how incredibly Lisa Regan can weave in the history of 21 books (!!!!!) so impeccably and having also made them so memorable that we follow it all, with good prompts throughout. I'll never tire of following Josie and the team and as always, can't wait for the next book to drop. Highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 22, 2025
I’m a fan of the entire Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan. Sadly, “Husband Missing” left me disappointed on several levels.
It started out well: Josie is summoned to the crime scene of a mysterious murder. On her return home, she finds everything in disarray and, worst of all, her husband, Noah, is missing and there’s blood…
Of course, Josie wants to investigate, but is quickly sidelined because both cases seem to be linked. Josie, hardly able to keep a coherent thought, goes on a wild goose chase that leads her to her own past — including the late Lila Jensen.
We get lots of “big emotions” from Josie, but not much of the police procedural that I expected. Turner and Gretchen from her team make some appearances, but for most of the novel, we’re solely following Josie and her stumbling attempts to make sense of the whole convoluted drama that ensues. And, honestly, much of it doesn’t make much sense. Least of all does the all-too-convenient “deus ex machina” moment at the very end.
The rest of Josie’s team is also completely absent (apart from a collective cameo at a celebration at the very end). As a result, the usual dynamics are completely missing. The sole focus is on Josie and her frantic search for Noah.
As always, the writing itself is fine, but for some inexplicable reason, Regan chose to mostly stick to very short chapters – including introducing abrupt, nonsensical chapter breaks. Sometimes even in the midst of conversations that just immediately resume in the next chapter. This causes annoying, completely useless, and meritless interruptions while reading.
For fans and completionists like me, “Husband Missing” is a must-read. Everyone else should probably steer clear of this instalment. It also doesn’t lend itself as an introduction to this series because much of it simply won’t make much sense without knowing how Josie grew up…
Three stars out of five.
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Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam
It started out well: Josie is summoned to the crime scene of a mysterious murder. On her return home, she finds everything in disarray and, worst of all, her husband, Noah, is missing and there’s blood…
Of course, Josie wants to investigate, but is quickly sidelined because both cases seem to be linked. Josie, hardly able to keep a coherent thought, goes on a wild goose chase that leads her to her own past — including the late Lila Jensen.
We get lots of “big emotions” from Josie, but not much of the police procedural that I expected. Turner and Gretchen from her team make some appearances, but for most of the novel, we’re solely following Josie and her stumbling attempts to make sense of the whole convoluted drama that ensues. And, honestly, much of it doesn’t make much sense. Least of all does the all-too-convenient “deus ex machina” moment at the very end.
The rest of Josie’s team is also completely absent (apart from a collective cameo at a celebration at the very end). As a result, the usual dynamics are completely missing. The sole focus is on Josie and her frantic search for Noah.
As always, the writing itself is fine, but for some inexplicable reason, Regan chose to mostly stick to very short chapters – including introducing abrupt, nonsensical chapter breaks. Sometimes even in the midst of conversations that just immediately resume in the next chapter. This causes annoying, completely useless, and meritless interruptions while reading.
For fans and completionists like me, “Husband Missing” is a must-read. Everyone else should probably steer clear of this instalment. It also doesn’t lend itself as an introduction to this series because much of it simply won’t make much sense without knowing how Josie grew up…
Three stars out of five.
Blog | Goodreads | Hardcover | Facebook | Twitter | Mastodon | Instagram | Threads | StoryGraph | LibraryThing | Medium | Matrix | Tumblr
Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam
February 19, 2025
Josie Quinn has a significant early history which, in this case, comes back to haunt her as her beloved husband, Noah has been abducted.Josie returns home from the scene of a murder to find her house in disarray, blood splatter, and Noah missing. All hands are on deck as the frantic search for him is underway.
This is another page turner from Lisa Regan.Well written, there is suspense, twists, horror, poignancy. There are some brutal truths here about abuse and its generational effects. In this book, readers learn more details about Josie’s background and it delves a bit more into her psyche as she tries to cope with the devastation of Noah’s disappearance, what may become of him, and the fact that she is not supposed to be involved in investigating this case.
I enjoyed seeing the bond grow closer between Josie and her birth family as their protective instincts are displayed.I do like how throughout the series, Regan’s characters show growth and change with time and experience. I like Josie; she is a strong, capable, intelligent, though vulnerable young woman. A new character, Turner, was introduced a few books back who has been aptly nicknamed Douchebag by her. I was glad to see that he is finally starting to show some sparks of humanity!
Counting the hours since Noah’s abduction is a good technique that added to the suspense of the story. I also picked up on the hint Regan dropped that foreshadowed the cliff hanger ending….see if you do too. I do hope we find out soon the connection between Turner and Trinity, Josie’s sister, as she certainly seems to be a “Turner Whisperer.
This is the twenty second in the series. Although I think I have read all of them, this would work as a standalone as the author does an excellent job of filling in Josie’s background.However, I think it might be helpful to have some familiarity with the characters by having read some of the previous installments.
If you like well written police procedurals/thrillers, and are not familiar with this series, I highly recommend it. I can’t wait for #23.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.
This is another page turner from Lisa Regan.Well written, there is suspense, twists, horror, poignancy. There are some brutal truths here about abuse and its generational effects. In this book, readers learn more details about Josie’s background and it delves a bit more into her psyche as she tries to cope with the devastation of Noah’s disappearance, what may become of him, and the fact that she is not supposed to be involved in investigating this case.
I enjoyed seeing the bond grow closer between Josie and her birth family as their protective instincts are displayed.I do like how throughout the series, Regan’s characters show growth and change with time and experience. I like Josie; she is a strong, capable, intelligent, though vulnerable young woman. A new character, Turner, was introduced a few books back who has been aptly nicknamed Douchebag by her. I was glad to see that he is finally starting to show some sparks of humanity!
Counting the hours since Noah’s abduction is a good technique that added to the suspense of the story. I also picked up on the hint Regan dropped that foreshadowed the cliff hanger ending….see if you do too. I do hope we find out soon the connection between Turner and Trinity, Josie’s sister, as she certainly seems to be a “Turner Whisperer.
This is the twenty second in the series. Although I think I have read all of them, this would work as a standalone as the author does an excellent job of filling in Josie’s background.However, I think it might be helpful to have some familiarity with the characters by having read some of the previous installments.
If you like well written police procedurals/thrillers, and are not familiar with this series, I highly recommend it. I can’t wait for #23.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.
October 4, 2025
The title is enough to tell you this one will be a tense, heartbreaker and it is! Quinn's past comes back to haunt her yet again with dire consequences. This time she stands to lose everything she holds close to her heart. An absolute must read for fans of the series. And while these books will stand alone with enough background information, I advise starting from the beginning with book one. The overall character development arc is huge. Highly recommended!
February 25, 2025
EVERY. DANG. TIME.
Lisa Regan baffles me EVERY TIME because- How does she do it? Every installment of the Josie Quinn Series is SO GOOD. You would think that at some point the series might lose some of it's mojo. But it NEVER does! Number 22 does not disappoint!
This one starts out with a bang- Josie's goes home to her house in shambles, blood everywhere and her husband missing. The ride just keeps going at breakneck speed from there.
We visit Josie's past a lot in this one. We also get to see more of Trinity, Josie's sister, as Josie leans on her to help her solve the case.
Another well written, intense installment of this series that I absolutely have to give 5 stars!
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Lisa Regan baffles me EVERY TIME because- How does she do it? Every installment of the Josie Quinn Series is SO GOOD. You would think that at some point the series might lose some of it's mojo. But it NEVER does! Number 22 does not disappoint!
This one starts out with a bang- Josie's goes home to her house in shambles, blood everywhere and her husband missing. The ride just keeps going at breakneck speed from there.
We visit Josie's past a lot in this one. We also get to see more of Trinity, Josie's sister, as Josie leans on her to help her solve the case.
Another well written, intense installment of this series that I absolutely have to give 5 stars!
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
May 31, 2025
5 stars. Fantastic!
March 12, 2025
4.25 stars
In the 22nd book in the Detective Josie Quinn series, everything is going great for Josie and her husband Noah Fraley, also a police officer in Denton, Pennsylvania. One day, Josie is called to the scene of a crime and when she returns home, the house has been ransacked, there is blood on the floor, but no sign of Noah! Josie is devastated when it becomes clear that Noah is missing and could be severely injured. Because of her close connection, she is taken off the case which makes it even harder for her to deal with the situation. Her friends, family, and colleagues rally around her. Josie is able to do some digging off the record and is shocked to discover Noah's abduction could be tied to her own traumatic past.
In this book, I miss having Josie and Noah working together on a case, but it does spotlight the bond between Josie and Noah and the love Josie's friends and family members have for her. The book also reveals even more about Lila, the woman who had kidnapped Josie when she was a baby. The ending of the case is heartwarming, but the very end of the book has a huge cliffhanger. I don't love that, but I am definitely eager to find out what happens next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy of the ebook for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
In the 22nd book in the Detective Josie Quinn series, everything is going great for Josie and her husband Noah Fraley, also a police officer in Denton, Pennsylvania. One day, Josie is called to the scene of a crime and when she returns home, the house has been ransacked, there is blood on the floor, but no sign of Noah! Josie is devastated when it becomes clear that Noah is missing and could be severely injured. Because of her close connection, she is taken off the case which makes it even harder for her to deal with the situation. Her friends, family, and colleagues rally around her. Josie is able to do some digging off the record and is shocked to discover Noah's abduction could be tied to her own traumatic past.
In this book, I miss having Josie and Noah working together on a case, but it does spotlight the bond between Josie and Noah and the love Josie's friends and family members have for her. The book also reveals even more about Lila, the woman who had kidnapped Josie when she was a baby. The ending of the case is heartwarming, but the very end of the book has a huge cliffhanger. I don't love that, but I am definitely eager to find out what happens next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy of the ebook for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
March 20, 2025
Review to follow nearer publication date.
It’s becoming harder to write a review for the latest Detective Josie Quinn book. Every time Lisa Regan writes a new instalment of this series I wonder how she does it. Every story is different and exciting. In Husband Missing we see another side to Josie. The missing husband is indeed the love of Josies life, Noah. Josie is completely lost and vulnerable without him. Even Trout, their little dog is out of sorts. (I love Trout). Josie and Noahs families gather to help and Josie slowly realises that her own past could be the clue to where Noah is.
I’m waiting with bated breath for the next episode, book 23.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
It’s becoming harder to write a review for the latest Detective Josie Quinn book. Every time Lisa Regan writes a new instalment of this series I wonder how she does it. Every story is different and exciting. In Husband Missing we see another side to Josie. The missing husband is indeed the love of Josies life, Noah. Josie is completely lost and vulnerable without him. Even Trout, their little dog is out of sorts. (I love Trout). Josie and Noahs families gather to help and Josie slowly realises that her own past could be the clue to where Noah is.
I’m waiting with bated breath for the next episode, book 23.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 27, 2025
I have read every book in this series and at 22 books, I still cannot wait for the next book! It is a fabulous series. The development and growth of each character from one book to the next is carefully crafted. The stories are always fresh, new and powerful.
I can't say enough about the very talented Lisa Regan. Her "Josie Quinn" series is stellar. She is an automatic buy for me, no matter what the book is about. I highly recommend this series starting with the first book. You won't be sorry. :)
I can't say enough about the very talented Lisa Regan. Her "Josie Quinn" series is stellar. She is an automatic buy for me, no matter what the book is about. I highly recommend this series starting with the first book. You won't be sorry. :)
April 22, 2025
I was so looking forward to this. But damn… I’m disappointed.
Josie Quinn’s past needs to be put to rest!
I CANNOT believe I just read another book about her mother/not mother who kidnapped her and tortured her as a child. Why!? For the love of all that is Holy PLEASE 🙏🏻 retire this story line and let Josie move on. Readers can’t take any more.
Another thing… if this author even THINKS about killing off Noah I will be down with her FOREVER.
I didn’t enjoy this very much. I hated that Noah was kidnapped and almost died. I don’t enjoy Josie regressing into old trauma
Josie Quinn’s past needs to be put to rest!
I CANNOT believe I just read another book about her mother/not mother who kidnapped her and tortured her as a child. Why!? For the love of all that is Holy PLEASE 🙏🏻 retire this story line and let Josie move on. Readers can’t take any more.
Another thing… if this author even THINKS about killing off Noah I will be down with her FOREVER.
I didn’t enjoy this very much. I hated that Noah was kidnapped and almost died. I don’t enjoy Josie regressing into old trauma
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
There are some books that, as a reviewer, you can find hard to review. Maybe they just aren't for you, or can leave a bad taste in the mouth, OR like this one, it is so amazingly good, you want to be able to SCREAM to absolutely everybody and anybody how fantastic it is and give all the small minute details.... but can't! So without giving anything away, but still making you count down the seconds until you can read it.... I'll give it a go.
Book #22 has hand on heart got to be the one that gave allllll the emotions, at one point, right near the beginning, I very nearly threw my kindle across the room, not wanting to carry on, not wanting to be a witness to Josie's pain and suffering again, wanting, for once, for Josie to have it a little bit easy for a change.
Josie & Noah are working cross over shifts. Working a case of a woman stabbed at a demonstration, identified as Gina Phelan, of the well know Phelan Construction family, herself and Turner are tasked with finding out the who, why's and when's, first stop cctv footage! But what they find just confuses them more.
When Josie returns home, expecting Noah to be heading out, she walks in to find her home ransacked, trails of bloodied handprints around her home, and Noah missing.
Josie and her team aren't allowed to head the investigation, and she is also kicked off her current case.... but nothing, literally nothing will stand in the way of finding her husband.
The more Josie, with the help of Trinity, delves into their own investigations on both missing Noah and the Phelan murder, Josie comes to realise that all is not what it truly seems. Her past, which she thought had been finally buried, seems to be lurking its ugly head from the grave.
As always, the characterisation is totally spot on. With each and every new book with get fed a lottle bit more information and knowledge on each character, even the increasingly annoying Turner, who actually shocked me in this one, maybe I'll warm to him eventually, in about the same time frame as Josie does!
Lisa Regan has this bewitching way of intricately weaving the smallest details into the bigger picture, perfectly formed so that everything is tied up so tightly at the end with the most beautiful bow. Whilst we may be left dangling, questions are never left unanswered in a way that grates you. It just leaves you breathlessly, wanting for more.
While every single time i will always recommend reading the whole series, to get the full background, this installment was a more personal story to Josie and could be read as a standalone (if youre silly enough to not have read them all obviously!).
I honestly can not rate this any higher. I'd happily give it all the stars in the universe, but as i can't do that, it has my full 5⭐️ rating.
The biggest and most grateful thanks, Netgalley and Bookouture, for the ARC
Book #22 has hand on heart got to be the one that gave allllll the emotions, at one point, right near the beginning, I very nearly threw my kindle across the room, not wanting to carry on, not wanting to be a witness to Josie's pain and suffering again, wanting, for once, for Josie to have it a little bit easy for a change.
Josie & Noah are working cross over shifts. Working a case of a woman stabbed at a demonstration, identified as Gina Phelan, of the well know Phelan Construction family, herself and Turner are tasked with finding out the who, why's and when's, first stop cctv footage! But what they find just confuses them more.
When Josie returns home, expecting Noah to be heading out, she walks in to find her home ransacked, trails of bloodied handprints around her home, and Noah missing.
Josie and her team aren't allowed to head the investigation, and she is also kicked off her current case.... but nothing, literally nothing will stand in the way of finding her husband.
The more Josie, with the help of Trinity, delves into their own investigations on both missing Noah and the Phelan murder, Josie comes to realise that all is not what it truly seems. Her past, which she thought had been finally buried, seems to be lurking its ugly head from the grave.
As always, the characterisation is totally spot on. With each and every new book with get fed a lottle bit more information and knowledge on each character, even the increasingly annoying Turner, who actually shocked me in this one, maybe I'll warm to him eventually, in about the same time frame as Josie does!
Lisa Regan has this bewitching way of intricately weaving the smallest details into the bigger picture, perfectly formed so that everything is tied up so tightly at the end with the most beautiful bow. Whilst we may be left dangling, questions are never left unanswered in a way that grates you. It just leaves you breathlessly, wanting for more.
While every single time i will always recommend reading the whole series, to get the full background, this installment was a more personal story to Josie and could be read as a standalone (if youre silly enough to not have read them all obviously!).
I honestly can not rate this any higher. I'd happily give it all the stars in the universe, but as i can't do that, it has my full 5⭐️ rating.
The biggest and most grateful thanks, Netgalley and Bookouture, for the ARC
March 22, 2025
Husband Missing is book 22 in the Josie Quinn series and the most stressful to read thanks to the fantastic author Lisa Regan! Josie Quinn returns home from work just before Noah should be getting ready to head in! She's hoping they have a little time together before he has to go. As she pulls in the driveway she notices that Noah's truck has been moved since she left. He must've gone out to the store or something. As Josie approaches the door it's ajar and Josie knows something is very, very wrong. Noah would never leave the door open and their alarm system off. As she pushes open the door, the house is a disaster. Furniture knocked over, things broken, drawers pulled out and dumped on the floor, and then there's the blood. Lots and lots of blood. As fear grips every fiber of Josie, she races from room to room with her gun drawn making sure no one is still in the house. She's hoping to find Noah and their little dog. When she finishes, there is no Noah, but she found the dog unharmed.
Josie calls the station, 911, and waits for them to arrive. She waits outside as she doesn't want to mess up any evidence that the criminals may have left behind. Why would someone want to hurt Noah? Is it related to a case? How were they able to take Noah when he's so big, fit, and has so much training? Josie's heart is racing and she's thinking the worst while she waits for the police and her team to arrive. Who would do this and why? Josie can't figure it out. She had just been with Noah when she was called away on a case. How could he be gone? As the police and her team arrive, Josie is told she can have nothing to do with the case as she's too close to it. Family members are never allowed to investigate a case because of their emotional attachment. Trinity, Josie's sister, arrives and that helps calm her down a bit. Trinity can help Josie investigate behind the scenes as she's a famous journalist.
When fingerprints are found on a knife that link Josie's case to Noah's case, things begin to spiral. How are the two cases connected? Will Josie be able to figure it out in time to save Noah? Is Noah still alive? There's so much blood. This book had me emotional as I am very fond of Josie and Noah and want to read many more books with them both featured. I was racing through the second half of the book as I had to know one way or the other. This book will keep your heart pumping, your emotions frayed, and you won't be able to put it down! I rate Husband Missing 5 stars with my very highest recommendation. Husband Missing is out now and should not be missed. It can be read and enjoyed as a standalone book if you've never read any books in the series. If that's the case, you will be hooked, and become a fan of the series. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Husband Missing in exchange for a fair review. #HusbandMissing
Josie calls the station, 911, and waits for them to arrive. She waits outside as she doesn't want to mess up any evidence that the criminals may have left behind. Why would someone want to hurt Noah? Is it related to a case? How were they able to take Noah when he's so big, fit, and has so much training? Josie's heart is racing and she's thinking the worst while she waits for the police and her team to arrive. Who would do this and why? Josie can't figure it out. She had just been with Noah when she was called away on a case. How could he be gone? As the police and her team arrive, Josie is told she can have nothing to do with the case as she's too close to it. Family members are never allowed to investigate a case because of their emotional attachment. Trinity, Josie's sister, arrives and that helps calm her down a bit. Trinity can help Josie investigate behind the scenes as she's a famous journalist.
When fingerprints are found on a knife that link Josie's case to Noah's case, things begin to spiral. How are the two cases connected? Will Josie be able to figure it out in time to save Noah? Is Noah still alive? There's so much blood. This book had me emotional as I am very fond of Josie and Noah and want to read many more books with them both featured. I was racing through the second half of the book as I had to know one way or the other. This book will keep your heart pumping, your emotions frayed, and you won't be able to put it down! I rate Husband Missing 5 stars with my very highest recommendation. Husband Missing is out now and should not be missed. It can be read and enjoyed as a standalone book if you've never read any books in the series. If that's the case, you will be hooked, and become a fan of the series. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Husband Missing in exchange for a fair review. #HusbandMissing
March 23, 2025
I absolutely love this series and I think Lisa Regan is a brilliant and talented author. This is the first book in the series I rated less than 5⭐️. Detective Josie Quinn is called away to investigate a death at a local construction site. When she returns home, it is evident that she and her husband Noah have been the victims of a home invasion. Only this time it’s worse…their house is destroyed and ransacked, there is blood everywhere, and her husband is missing..hence the book’s title. The whole book follows the search for Noah and putting the puzzle pieces together about other crimes, desperately searching for any clues or connections to Noah’s disappearance.
I’m usually an all-out Josie fan but in this book, I found her oddly irritating and unlikeable. I understand her instincts when it comes to her rogue behavior but after a while, some of the mind-numbing internal dialogue became giant eye rolls. I am also ready for Josie and the gang to have a more peaceful existence rather than always being the victims of death and destruction. Overall, this is still a good read and many puzzle pieces finally came together to solve several mysteries. The ending left my jaw on the floor and now I need Lisa Regan to hurry up and pump out book 23!!! I need more answers! This is a great series and one you should definitely check out.
I’m usually an all-out Josie fan but in this book, I found her oddly irritating and unlikeable. I understand her instincts when it comes to her rogue behavior but after a while, some of the mind-numbing internal dialogue became giant eye rolls. I am also ready for Josie and the gang to have a more peaceful existence rather than always being the victims of death and destruction. Overall, this is still a good read and many puzzle pieces finally came together to solve several mysteries. The ending left my jaw on the floor and now I need Lisa Regan to hurry up and pump out book 23!!! I need more answers! This is a great series and one you should definitely check out.
March 19, 2025
Right in the midst of what would have been a life-changing event for Detective Josie Quinn and her husband Noah, he goes missing. Clearly, something sinister has occurred, leaving behind some ambiguous clues. Josie is consumed by grief and desperation, determined to find Noah alive.
Josie, under orders to stay away from a recent crime under investigation, remains determined to find Noah. Her unwavering resolve shines through as she diligently searches for any clues. Meanwhile, her tragic past resurfaces, bringing her and her twin sister Trinity even closer together as they work together to find Noah.
This 22nd book in the Detective Josie Quinn series hits with a profound emotional impact, evoking a range of feelings, including a lump in my throat and tears to my eyes, both more than once. Despite knowing that her involvement would require a dispassionate approach, Josie’s inner turmoil is palpable. She fears a personal disappointment might be facing them once Noah is found. This underlying factor intensifies the emotional impact of the book. And then, the ending! Oh my goodness! I can’t wait to discover what the next book in the series has in store for us.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Josie, under orders to stay away from a recent crime under investigation, remains determined to find Noah. Her unwavering resolve shines through as she diligently searches for any clues. Meanwhile, her tragic past resurfaces, bringing her and her twin sister Trinity even closer together as they work together to find Noah.
This 22nd book in the Detective Josie Quinn series hits with a profound emotional impact, evoking a range of feelings, including a lump in my throat and tears to my eyes, both more than once. Despite knowing that her involvement would require a dispassionate approach, Josie’s inner turmoil is palpable. She fears a personal disappointment might be facing them once Noah is found. This underlying factor intensifies the emotional impact of the book. And then, the ending! Oh my goodness! I can’t wait to discover what the next book in the series has in store for us.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
March 21, 2025
Intense doesn't cover it. The entire way through this book, I was shouting WHERE IS NOAH!!!!!!!!
It was a hard one to read because I just wanted to know where he was and what the heck was happening to him. Was he alive? I mean, why is no one telling me anything? My heart broke for Josie, especially when she was dealing with that, off the case, off another case, and then the adoption agency kept calling. Can she not catch a break?!
Then that ending!! I am now shouting because I need to know more! I can't be left like this hanging in suspense - who can I bribe to find out what is going to happen? Anyone?
It was a good opportunity to see more of Josie's and Noah's family, and I loved Josie and Trinity working together. Spin off me thinks 😉
I was a bit disappointed that Chitwood wasn't around much, as I thought he and Josie had a bond. I get he was probably working hard, trying to find Noah, and obviously Josie wasn't home much, but I just thought he might be around more.
So much backstory in Josie's life without being about Josie. It was fascinating. So much to take in, and how much destruction one person can still do, without being there.
Phew, I need a lie down now!
It was a hard one to read because I just wanted to know where he was and what the heck was happening to him. Was he alive? I mean, why is no one telling me anything? My heart broke for Josie, especially when she was dealing with that, off the case, off another case, and then the adoption agency kept calling. Can she not catch a break?!
Then that ending!! I am now shouting because I need to know more! I can't be left like this hanging in suspense - who can I bribe to find out what is going to happen? Anyone?
It was a good opportunity to see more of Josie's and Noah's family, and I loved Josie and Trinity working together. Spin off me thinks 😉
I was a bit disappointed that Chitwood wasn't around much, as I thought he and Josie had a bond. I get he was probably working hard, trying to find Noah, and obviously Josie wasn't home much, but I just thought he might be around more.
So much backstory in Josie's life without being about Josie. It was fascinating. So much to take in, and how much destruction one person can still do, without being there.
Phew, I need a lie down now!
March 11, 2025
Another one to add to my list of Josie Quinn favorites!
This one follows Josie as she is forced to sit on the sidelines while her team investigates a murder and the disappearance of her husband Noah.
Against my own policy, I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC so I read this out of order. I'm only on #15 in this series. Unfortunately there is a huge spoiler for a book that I haven't read yet at the very beginning of this one so as much as I loved this one (I stayed up until 1am to finish this), I would advise reading this series in order.
That being said ... hurry up and get started on this series! I'm devouring them as quickly as my library can get them to me! I love the characters and their chemistry and most of these books are so fast-paced that there is no good stopping point so clear your calendar before you start reading!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This one follows Josie as she is forced to sit on the sidelines while her team investigates a murder and the disappearance of her husband Noah.
Against my own policy, I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC so I read this out of order. I'm only on #15 in this series. Unfortunately there is a huge spoiler for a book that I haven't read yet at the very beginning of this one so as much as I loved this one (I stayed up until 1am to finish this), I would advise reading this series in order.
That being said ... hurry up and get started on this series! I'm devouring them as quickly as my library can get them to me! I love the characters and their chemistry and most of these books are so fast-paced that there is no good stopping point so clear your calendar before you start reading!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 9, 2025
As blown away as I was by the previous book in the Detective Josie Quinn series, this one was as much of a biting your nails and sitting on the edge of your seat to see how the story would end. At the beginning, I didn’t understand why the title was Husband Missing (I didn’t read the synopsis because I knew I would love the book because it was part of the Josie Quinn series.) But you don’t get too far in before you are drawn into the story and you are emotionally drawn in and anxiously waiting to find out if Noah survives. There are so many twists an turns, clues that have to do with Josie’s years of growing up with a psychotic mother, and the trail of horror she left in her wake. The support Josie receives from her biological family keeps her sane through this difficult time. There are some aha moments that will have you gasping in shock. But that’s what makes Lisa Regan the queen of mystery thrillers. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I can’t wait to get lost in the world of Josie Quinn. Put this series at the top of your to-be-read list. It will be worth every second you spend lost in the pages!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookoutre for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookoutre for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
March 11, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this exceptional book
ohh man i cried over this book
josie's day is about to get worse....
josie is called to a stabbing.... she is actively trying to sort out all the information and getting hold of witnesses and cctv.... so when she arrives home much later than planned at first she doesnt realise something is wrong
but before long her instincts kick in....
the house she shares with her husband noah has been trashed....there is blood but noah isnt to be found....
its a race against time to find out where he is... and josie isnt allowed anywhere near the investigation
ohhh man this one is edge of the seat stuff and it will reduce you to tears..... at times its hard to read...
cant wait for the next one in this fabulous series
ohh man i cried over this book
josie's day is about to get worse....
josie is called to a stabbing.... she is actively trying to sort out all the information and getting hold of witnesses and cctv.... so when she arrives home much later than planned at first she doesnt realise something is wrong
but before long her instincts kick in....
the house she shares with her husband noah has been trashed....there is blood but noah isnt to be found....
its a race against time to find out where he is... and josie isnt allowed anywhere near the investigation
ohhh man this one is edge of the seat stuff and it will reduce you to tears..... at times its hard to read...
cant wait for the next one in this fabulous series
March 20, 2025
The queen of SUSPENCE has done it again!! This is book 22 in the detective Josie Quinn series and it is FABULOUS AS ALWAYS. This one in particular is intense and hits too close to home when detective Josie Quinn comes home to her husband Noah missing. I loved how the older cases from one of the older books had a part in this one. as always Lisa Regan has crafted characters that make you feel like you are with your very best friends. An intense, gripping action packed ride from beginning to end. THE CLIFFHANGER IYKIYK!!!!!!!! SO READY FOR BOOK 23 now.🥹😭💜🤭
April 20, 2025
That OH SHIT moment at the end
May 24, 2025
i forgot how much i love this series. the writing might not be the best, but it has everything a thriller needs - an engaging plot, believable characters and most importantly, that unputdownable feeling it gives off. perfect for a bingeable, one-night read 😝
i miss reading so much and i'm ridiculously behind on my goal for this year, but i'm so excited to get back into it after all that igcse and test hectiness!!
i miss reading so much and i'm ridiculously behind on my goal for this year, but i'm so excited to get back into it after all that igcse and test hectiness!!
October 10, 2025
It simply amazes me how each book in this series gets better and better.
April 13, 2025
boring
I wish this book would have ended about 200 pages sooner. Couldn’t wait to get it over with. Usually like her books but this sucked
I wish this book would have ended about 200 pages sooner. Couldn’t wait to get it over with. Usually like her books but this sucked
February 23, 2025
Let me get to the nitty-gritty right away: The missing husband, as loyal readers of this series (like me) would suspect, is Denton, Pa., police detective Josie Quinn's hunky police officer husband Noah Fraley. One not-so-fine day, she returns home from a murder scene to find their home totally ransacked, blood everywhere and Noah gone. Alas, Josie isn't the only one to miss him - he's a major reason I love the series, so not having him around was more than a small disappointment. And after awhile, reading about his absence started to get a bit tedious; put another way, I can count too, so I really didn't need an update on how long he's been gone every on every third page.
Nitpicking aside, I will say that the happenings in this book bring a good measure of closure to Josie's horrific life before the police department and Noah (after 21 previous books, long-time readers will be familiar with her story and reconnection with her twin sister Trinity Payne as adults). Trinity, a well-known TV journalist who's engaged to FBI agent Drake Nally, of course is around to lend support and investigative expertise to her sister - as is the usual police force team that includes the rather obnoxious officer Kyle Turner (though here, too, the ongoing snarkiness between Kyle and Josie got old fast).
Josie herself is officially sidelined throughout most of the book, given her connection to Noah (she can't be the one leading the investigation to find her own husband). Then, the case she was called to right before returning to her ransacked home takes a turn for the bizzare. At the scene, the daughter of a prominent contractor is killed, and prints are found. Great for helping find the killer, perhaps, but for Josie, not so much; the prints match those found in the mess at her place. Whoops - off the case she goes once again.
Josie being Josie, of course, she manages to call in a few favors and do some surreptitious digging around on her own (in between telling readers how long Noah has been missing and trading barbs with Kyle). Finally, the whole thing - which is directly tied to the mother Josie knew to be a monster - comes together to reach a rather surprising conclusion. As for Noah, nope, you ain't gonna hear it from me. Go read the book for yourself!
Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for providing me with a pre-release copy - I enjoyed it and look forward to the next one!
Nitpicking aside, I will say that the happenings in this book bring a good measure of closure to Josie's horrific life before the police department and Noah (after 21 previous books, long-time readers will be familiar with her story and reconnection with her twin sister Trinity Payne as adults). Trinity, a well-known TV journalist who's engaged to FBI agent Drake Nally, of course is around to lend support and investigative expertise to her sister - as is the usual police force team that includes the rather obnoxious officer Kyle Turner (though here, too, the ongoing snarkiness between Kyle and Josie got old fast).
Josie herself is officially sidelined throughout most of the book, given her connection to Noah (she can't be the one leading the investigation to find her own husband). Then, the case she was called to right before returning to her ransacked home takes a turn for the bizzare. At the scene, the daughter of a prominent contractor is killed, and prints are found. Great for helping find the killer, perhaps, but for Josie, not so much; the prints match those found in the mess at her place. Whoops - off the case she goes once again.
Josie being Josie, of course, she manages to call in a few favors and do some surreptitious digging around on her own (in between telling readers how long Noah has been missing and trading barbs with Kyle). Finally, the whole thing - which is directly tied to the mother Josie knew to be a monster - comes together to reach a rather surprising conclusion. As for Noah, nope, you ain't gonna hear it from me. Go read the book for yourself!
Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for providing me with a pre-release copy - I enjoyed it and look forward to the next one!
March 30, 2025
✅This story was such a roller coaster of a ride!
I mean, literally…..so much going on that I could not put the book down!
And, the ending cliffhanger??????
If you haven’t read the Detective Josie Quinn series, I highly recommend it! I do encourage you to start with the first book in the series. There is so much back story to Josie, her husband and her team.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series!!!!
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I mean, literally…..so much going on that I could not put the book down!
And, the ending cliffhanger??????
If you haven’t read the Detective Josie Quinn series, I highly recommend it! I do encourage you to start with the first book in the series. There is so much back story to Josie, her husband and her team.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series!!!!
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 2, 2025
Slow moving
It was really slow with to many words. I’ve enjoyed this whole series except this one. Hopefully the next one is better
It was really slow with to many words. I’ve enjoyed this whole series except this one. Hopefully the next one is better
March 19, 2025
OHMAHGAWD…
I don’t even know where to start.
This was so absolutely FANTASTIC. I wish that I could put into words how brilliant and talented this author is. I have been shouting it for years.
This. Is. Book 22. Book 22! And it is as fresh and unputdownable as the first book in series. No one. Absolutely no one does character growth like Lisa Regan. Every single book blows my mind. Why you ask? Because the characters you meet in book 1 are not the same throughout series. They grow, some die, you FEEL. Every single book she makes you more invested. Even those characters you don’t like. (Sorry y’all, I’m never gonna be a Luke fan)
And truly that’s the gift of this series. When you open a JQ book and step into Denton you are all in. You want to see what is going on and Josie updates. You get it all with this series…mystery, suspense, a thriller with twists & turns AND epic story telling. Characters that literally leap off pages. You feel like they are truly in your life for the time that book is open. And leave you lulling it over long after the book closes.
This book is just OUTSTANDING. I don’t do spoilers but man it’s a winner. I can’t wait for book 23. I need more. I’m addicted. If you have not read this series?!?! Why? You should run…NOW.
I’m still gaping at the end. 😮
I don’t even know where to start.
This was so absolutely FANTASTIC. I wish that I could put into words how brilliant and talented this author is. I have been shouting it for years.
This. Is. Book 22. Book 22! And it is as fresh and unputdownable as the first book in series. No one. Absolutely no one does character growth like Lisa Regan. Every single book blows my mind. Why you ask? Because the characters you meet in book 1 are not the same throughout series. They grow, some die, you FEEL. Every single book she makes you more invested. Even those characters you don’t like. (Sorry y’all, I’m never gonna be a Luke fan)
And truly that’s the gift of this series. When you open a JQ book and step into Denton you are all in. You want to see what is going on and Josie updates. You get it all with this series…mystery, suspense, a thriller with twists & turns AND epic story telling. Characters that literally leap off pages. You feel like they are truly in your life for the time that book is open. And leave you lulling it over long after the book closes.
This book is just OUTSTANDING. I don’t do spoilers but man it’s a winner. I can’t wait for book 23. I need more. I’m addicted. If you have not read this series?!?! Why? You should run…NOW.
I’m still gaping at the end. 😮
February 16, 2025
I have never written a book, but I can imagine it's not an easy task. I cannot imagine how many hours it takes to complete one, but I suppose that, when you see your 'baby' being born and loved by so many people, it must be a great feeling.
Authors writing series, create characters readers start to consider as friends and they look forward to, not only the next cases, but also to the developments of their personal lives. Readers laugh and cry with the recurring main persons and wish them the best.
Well, I suppose it happens to others too, because it certainly happens to me. :)
Josie has been to terrible things up till now, but now she is also embraced by love and friendship. Although she tries to leave all the bad things behind, they still haunt her and rip her world apart.
She finds herself with her back against the wall, but she manages to use the smallest crevice to sleip through in order to find clues.
This is a very devastating story, brilliantly written, as per usual. Once you sit down, you don't want to do anything else but to keep on reading. Loved it. 5 stars
Thank you
Authors writing series, create characters readers start to consider as friends and they look forward to, not only the next cases, but also to the developments of their personal lives. Readers laugh and cry with the recurring main persons and wish them the best.
Well, I suppose it happens to others too, because it certainly happens to me. :)
Josie has been to terrible things up till now, but now she is also embraced by love and friendship. Although she tries to leave all the bad things behind, they still haunt her and rip her world apart.
She finds herself with her back against the wall, but she manages to use the smallest crevice to sleip through in order to find clues.
This is a very devastating story, brilliantly written, as per usual. Once you sit down, you don't want to do anything else but to keep on reading. Loved it. 5 stars
Thank you
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